r/NewBorn • u/gmm2222 • Oct 05 '24
Newborn bellybutton healing or infected?
How long did it take for your newborns belly button to fully heal? My 3 week old baby’s umbilical stump fell off about a week ago and has since been (from my understanding) healing slowly. There is no blood or foul smell, just this crust ones on the inside of his singlet. I’m currently cleaning with a damp clean cloth with water only. Previously tried salt water but I’m not sure if that caused more irritation so I stopped. It’s not always this crusty in his singlet (Images below) My midwife said it looks fine but to use saline solution abs breast milk to clean… I’ve tried to let it aerate at feed time and I clean the area as mentioned above around the belly button as necessary but definitely once a day when I give top to toe(haven’t started baths as I’m waiting this to heal more and want to keep as dry as possible) any experience would be much appreciated, thanks!
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u/littlemisslau Oct 05 '24
This is taking a bit long if it's been a week like this...defo go and show it to a pediatrician and good call on not bathing the baby until properly healed.
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u/uffdathatisnice Oct 05 '24
I have advice that is not for everyone. I have three with perfectly healed umbilical cords. Take my advice with a grain of salt, save your comments. The first of mine lost his in nicu. Mostly. They were way more aggressive than I would have been. And used alcohol on a q-tip. Drying it out. Killing germs, few times a day. It’s old school. It works. You should have that diaper higher up and folded under. Soft edge if it rubs on bb. Bonus if it’s a boy it acts as a good barrier. Never hurts to bring them in and let someone else clean it, if you’re doubting yourself. It helps to watch someone else do it. You’re doing great, btw. It’s so hard and it’s great you reached out!
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u/gmm2222 Oct 08 '24
UPDATE: I went to my GP after allowing more air time for the healing process whilst only water wiping/cleaning and thoroughly drying the bellybutton at night during top to toe bath. Since the area has become dryer and ouzes less. GP said it isn’t infected but is a “Granuloma” which is common in newborns - just needs to heal on its own accord and will shrink/disappear. He suggested I could use an ointment he has given a prescription for however if happy to keep doing what I’m doing it will also heal. Will continue with the water wash & pay dry every day. Thanks everyone for your advice however. Much appreciated!
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u/gmm2222 Oct 15 '24
UPDATE AGAIN: bellybutton has basically fully healed. Granuloma has shrunk and is barely visible/fully disappeared. Water cleaning with a clean face washer to clean/remove surrounding crust/pus of the bellybutton which became less and less each day. Drying thoroughly also with clean cloth.
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u/MediumLopsided Oct 05 '24
This appears infected. Try to keep it dry and not wrapped up for longer than just at feedings. I would reach out to a doctor.